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Balkan Mountains Walk

Balkan Mountains Walk

Trip Highlights

Exploring the Central Balkan National Park: a third of the park’s territory comprises nine reserves, four of which - Boatin, Tsarichina, Steneto and Dzhendema - are part of the world Biosphere Reserves Network under the UNESCO “Man and Biosphere” Program

Visiting Glozhene Monastery, built in the 13th century by the Ukrainian prince Glozh and housing an icon said to be 1000 years old

Staying in the beautiful mountain resort of Ribaritsa village

Exploring Saeva Dupka cave: its corridors offer some of the most beautiful cave formations in Bulgaria

Operated By

Trip Summary

The Balkan Mountains offer keen walkers a series of trails through a diverse landscape that is dotted with tiny villages that brim with traditional hospitality. It's a land where time stands still, evidenced by the old water mills that are still in operation and the use of centuries old methods to produce local specialties such as rakia (brandy), wild berry jams and Balkan brine cheese. Surrounding the villages are immense beech forests, alpine meadows carpeted with flowers, high ridges with endless views and lush river valleys. During this week long self guided walk there is ample opportunity to experience these highlights while on foot, while at night you'll soak up the warm welcome in specially chosen hotels and guesthouses.

Suitability

The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily guided walks of around 3-5 hours, with a maximum ascent and descent of 810 metres/2657 feet. There are some stages during the walk with where you will encounter steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only.

Early in the season (April, May or June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Sofia, transfer to hotel

On arrival at Sofia Airport you will be transferred to your guesthouse in the city centre. The remainder of the day is free to explore Bulgaria's capital.

This morning you are transferred to Saeva Dupka (1.5 hours), considered one of the most beautiful caves in Bulgaria. Visit the caves before a further transfer takes you to the village of Glozhene. From here a short trek through beech woods leads you to Glozhene Monastery, with its 1000-year-old icon of St George. From the monastery you will follow the path climbing Mt Lisets which offers stunning views over the Teteven Valley and the Central Balkan range. Continue along some narrow paths and a dirt road to Goliam Izvor. Overnight in Goliam Izvor village.
Uphill: 400m/1312ft; downhill: 350m/1148ft

Today you will start walking directly from your guest house in the village centre, pass through plum tree orchards and pine forests. After a gentle ascent to Mt Orlyak you will follow a dirt road to the small village of Brusen, where a transfer will take you to the village of Lopian for your overnight stay. If you prefer to walk, this is an additional 2 hours.
In the afternoon, optional visit by car to Etropole Monastery and a nearby waterfall (supplement applies).
Uphill: 600m/1969ft; downhill: 350m/1148ft

Meals: B,D

Day 4 Walk through pine forests to the village of Cherni Vit (4-5hrs)

Today's trek is a wonderful introduction to the region's picturesque landscapes of vast meadows dotted with lots of old apple tree gardens and grazing sheep. The path will take you up hill and then along a ridge, before descending to Cherni Vit village, renowned for its great dancers and traditional singers.
Uphill: 450m/1476ft; downhill: 300m/984ft

Meals: B,D

Day 5 Transfer then walk through beech forests of Boatin Reserve to Ribaritsa (3-4hrs)

This morning, after a short transfer to Kordela hut, you embark on arguably the most adventurous part of the trip. The track passes through century-old beech forests in the Boatin Reserve (at 825m/2707ft), reaching a high point at 1080m/3543ft after an hour of gentle ascent. From there, the path descends the other side of the hill, reaching a forestry road that leads to the region of Kostina, where the Bulgarian revolutionary and national hero, Georgi Benkovski, was killed by the Ottomans. This is a good spot for lunch. From this point you walk 3km/1.9mi along a peaceful asphalt road amongst gardens, meadows, villas and houses, to the village of Ribaritsa, where you stay overnight (at 545m/1788ft).
Uphill: 250m/820ft; downhill: 530m/1739ft

Today you walk a circuit route, along the Debeli Dial ridge surrounding Ribaritsa and climb to its peak (1150m/3773ft) for fine views of the Central Balkan Mountains. The path descends along the Osenovia Rat ridge towards the Vasiliov Hut. On the way back to your hotel, you can observe the local way of life and enjoy the atmosphere of a typical Balkan mountain village.
Uphill: 400m/1312ft; downhill: 400m/1312ft

Meals: B,D

Day 7 Transfer to Teteven, ascend Cherven Peak and return to Teteven (4hrs)

After a morning transfer to Teteven your walking commences. The path goes upwards through broad leafed forests and vast meadows to the rocks of Cherven Peak, where you will be welcomed with a superb panoramic view over the town of Teteven and the valley of Beli Vit River. From there you take the eco-path leading to Babintsi village and further down to Teteven. Overnight in Teteven.
Distance 13km - Uphill: 700m/2300ft; downhill: 700m/2300ft

Meals: B

Day 8 Transfer to Sofia airport, trip concludes

After breakfast, transfer to Sofia airport (1.5 hrs drive) where the trip concludes.

Meals: B

What's Included

7 breakfasts, 5 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner is generally 3 courses consisting of a mixture of local and international dishes.

What's Not Included

Lunch (allow €5-6 for lunch box or €6-12 for 3 course lunch], drinks, dinner on day 1 and day 7

Items of a personal nature

Entrance fees

Tour guide – this is a self guided trip

Tips

Travel insurance - mandatory

Upcoming Travel Dates

Reviews

☆☆☆☆☆

A good and enjoyable week of varied self guided walks in pleasant scenery in the Central Bulgarian mountains. We are experienced walkers who with the help of the walking notes provided were able to get from A to B without undue difficulty and enjoyed the challenge of sometimes having to tease out where to go next. In rural parts, learning some Bulgarian phrases and some knowledge of the Cyrillic alphabet is very helpful. Mikhael our driver for the week was a gem - very careful to make sure we knew what we were about, where we would meet him after each walk and how to get in touch with him - and very attentive to our needs and wishes.

T. Stone, UK

AT A GLANCE

Duration:

8 Days

Countries:

Bulgaria

Starting Point:

Sofia

Finishing Point:

Sofia

Activities:

SELF GUIDED WALK

Grade:

moderate

Trip Code:

BOG

Prices From:

GBP£530 Per Person

Single Supplement:

GBP£100

Per Person, Twin Share

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